Hi, I’m Dawn.
And I’m here to amplify the strength of women veterans.
I’m a mission-driven leader dedicated to amplifying the strength, resilience, and visibility of women veterans. As a captain, military author, and advocate, I work at the intersection of trauma awareness, science and technology advancement, and cultural transformation within the military community.
My work is deeply personal. Rooted in my lived experience and a lifelong commitment to service, I understand both the visible and invisible battles that women in uniform face. Beyond my professional platform, I am guided by strong values of service, integrity, and community—principles that shape both my leadership and my life.
I joined the military because I believed in service, responsibility, and protection. I wanted to stand for something larger than myself and serve my country with pride. From a young age, I learned the meaning of defending others, and that sense of duty guided me into the Canadian military at 18.
As a woman in that environment, I faced harassment, insults, and efforts to silence me. When I sought help, I was told my word would not be believed over that of an officer. Instead of breaking me, that moment strengthened my determination to succeed and prove that women deserve respect and equal treatment.
Rising through the ranks and becoming Canada’s first female space scientist was never about personal recognition. It was about showing that women belong in every field and at every level of leadership. I wanted to open doors and inspire young women to pursue their goals without limitation.
Despite professional success, the hostility continued, reflecting deeper cultural problems within the system. Eventually, after retiring, I endured a traumatic attack that led to long-term PTSD. Seeking benefits and recognition became part of a larger effort to ensure other survivors would not face the same barriers.
Today, I speak out to support women in the military and survivors of sexual assault. My goal is to promote safety, accountability, and healing. By sharing my story, I hope to empower others, reduce silence and stigma, and help create a future where no one has to fight alone for dignity and justice.
I also want to remind women that their strength is not defined by what they endure, but by how they rise after it. Every challenge I faced became part of a larger mission to bring awareness and change. My experiences are not just personal history — they are a call to improve systems, protect service members, and ensure respect for all who choose to serve.
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What Readers Are Saying
AMAzon
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A shining light in a dark world.
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2017
Verified Purchase
I love Dawn's book. I am so grateful that she trusted me to be a part of her journey. She was a good officer and a great person who championed and encoureged female interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Glad she chose to let me be her friend when I was chosrn to be a guest in her country, Canada.
Goodreads Reviewers
The cruelty of Dawn Ottman’s story is that she gave everything to serve Canada, and Canada failed her catastrophically. Joining at 18 in 1978, she endured harassment from the start. Military police told her no one would believe her over an officer. She persevered, became the first female space scientist in Canadian forces, and still the abuse continued. The 1995 attack on what should have been a friendly visit destroyed her in ways she’s still recovering from decades later. This memoir doesn’t offer easy answers or complete healing. What it offers is truth, the cost of speaking out, and hope that sharing her experience might protect others. Her veteran’s benefits case matters. Her voice matters.
Choose whichever tone and focus best matches your reading experience.
Goodreads Reviewers
The cruelty of Dawn Ottman’s story is that she gave everything to serve Canada, and Canada failed her catastrophically. Joining at 18 in 1978, she endured harassment from the start. Military police told her no one would believe her over an officer. She persevered, became the first female space scientist in Canadian forces, and still the abuse continued. The 1995 attack on what should have been a friendly visit destroyed her in ways she’s still recovering from decades later. This memoir doesn’t offer easy answers or complete healing. What it offers is truth, the cost of speaking out, and hope that sharing her experience might protect others. Her veteran’s benefits case matters. Her voice matters.
Choose whichever tone and focus best matches your reading experience.
5.0 out of 5 stars Note from Author
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
Sexusl misconduct continues to plaque our womrn soldiers!
Author Review
This a sad state of affairs.....and all sorry representation of an organization whose duty it is to protect.
I don't know how to fix this problem area of such a normally rightfully proud military. I now throw this torch to you from failing hands, in the hope that you will hold it high and soldier on to save the reputation of a once rightfully proud organization.
Captain Dawn Ottman
01
Science & Technology
Exploring how innovation, research, and emerging technologies shape our world - and how diverse voices, especially women veterans, play a critical role in advancing scientific progress.
02
Trauma
An honest conversation about trauma, resilience, and recovery - particularly within environment - and how healing can lead to personal strength and systemic change.
03
Military Institutional change
Addressing the need for accountability, reform, and cultural transformation within military systems to better protect and support service members.
04
The strength of women in uniform
Highlighting the courage, leadership, and resilience of women who serve- and the unique challenge they overcome while defending their country.
Contact
For media requests, collaborations, or general questions, please reach me out at candew95@sdplains.com
I strive to respond personally to every message, though it may take a little time
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